Monday, May 2, 2011

Mundane objects.....things of beauty

Today was an exercise in Wabi Sabi for me. For those who are unfamiliar with the term, read my old post here. But in short it is simply this - finding beauty in everyday objects! It is quiet, undeclared beauty that waits patiently to be discovered.

My exercise today was a slight deviation from this, but the basic premise was the same....what I did was to go around my house and photograph ordinary objects which, by the mere act of displaying with care, had turned into things of beauty. Each one of us has some prized collection which we display with pride - artwork, dishes, little figurines, heirlooms, pottery and so on. Things that are MEANT to be shown off. But, hidden in drawers and stashed away in cupboards are things we feel are too boring and mundane to be considered display worthy. Useful, functional items that have no place in public, that are best kept in the dark.

So I am here to tell you, pull them out. Next time you're looking for some cool arty thing to place on that dresser, or fill a niche in your bedroom with, or to prettify your desk....just go scrounging in your closet or cupboard or drawer. And trust me, you'll find something. All sorts of cool collections lurking inside waiting to be discovered...Wabi Sabi!

Am I rambling or making any sense? Here...take a look at these....simple things that look good when clustered together and displayed artfully.

Spools of thread, in bottles....

Rolls of wrapping paper....just stick them all in a big mud pot...like a bouquet

Bangles...oh, how I love these, not so much to wear, but more to look at....

and more...

Art and colored pencils...and no, you don't need a sugar mold like the one I have (which I won in a giveaway)...even old, chipped coffee mugs or glasses all lined up will look good

Mortars and pestles....

Cooking oils.......

Old brass urns....which no one uses these days

Spices

Paint brushes

Greenery on the windowsill

Old black and white and sepia toned photographs.....chipped frames and all

And no, I wouldn't bother changing the chipped frames and giving them new ones. I think its part of the charm....

So, here is what I say. Go around your house, try looking at things differently, see the simple beauty in everyday objects.....spice jars filled with delicious powders all lined up, vessels all gleaming and polished, bottles of oils, stacks of papers, CD's and DVD's arranged neatly, pots of flowers.....really anything at all!

8 comments:

LOVED your post! every bit..every pic...so true...instead of buying new stuff and making one's home more cluttered...work with what you have...finding magic in what you already possess...such a beautiful thought...must try clicking the regular stuff, soon :)

Do I have to still tell you how much you inspire me?? Do I?? I totally loved loved this post.. *sigh*... I love the little containers that you keep your brushes in... fabulous... Your works space looks amazing.. Everything looks so so super organised.. neat.. clean.. clutter free... That threads jar.. is such an amazing idea!! Can you come to my home.. and give me some ideas too.. please.. please!!

love this! Of course, you cannot change the frame. It is completely part of the charm! Can you tell me how you take care of your paintbrushes. An art teacher once told me that they should remain dipped in turpentine (after oil painting) to retain their softness, but I see that yours aren't.

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Saffron and Silk

Very often I come across things of such beauty, I feel compelled to immortalise it for ever by recording it down someplace and sharing it with others, especially those who are equally turned on by aesthetics and design as I am. This blog is that perfect place! It could be something as simple as a photograph of a gorgeous flower blooming in the midst of a brutal summer, or as elaborate as a fabulous art show by an eminent artist. So really, it is about anything that touches any one of my senses in the form of beautiful design, captivating music, delicious food, exciting art and photography, anything that makes me happy....the list is endless! I hope I can do justice!

Feel free to use my pics. You don't have to give me credit, just don't claim them as yours!

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"The Master in the art of living makes little distinction between his work and his play, his labor and his leisure, his mind and his body, his education and his recreation, his love and his religion. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence in whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him, he is always doing both."